Subtraction Methods For Kids

There are several subtraction methods that can be used to help kids understand and perform subtraction problems, including:

Counting up method: This method involves counting up from the smaller number to the larger number and finding the difference between the two.
Place value method: This method involves breaking down the numbers into their individual place values (ones, tens, hundreds, etc.) and subtracting the values in each place value column.
Number line method: This method involves using a number line to count the number of jumps from the smaller number to the larger number, and then counting the number of jumps from the larger number to the answer.
Regrouping (borrowing) method: This method is used for subtraction problems that involve regrouping (borrowing) from a higher place value column to a lower place value column.

It’s important to note that the best method for each child may vary depending on their learning style, so it’s helpful to introduce them to multiple methods and allow them to choose the one that works best for them.

Counting Up Method

The counting up method is a simple subtraction method that involves counting up from the smaller number to the larger number, and then finding the difference between the two. Here’s an example:

Suppose we want to find the difference between 8 and 5. We start by counting up from 5 to 8:

5, 6, 7, 8

The difference between 8 and 5 is 3, so the answer is 3.

This method is especially useful for young children who are just starting to learn about subtraction, as it helps them understand the concept of taking away (or subtracting) one number from another. It’s also a good method for solving subtraction problems that involve numbers that are close to each other.

The Place Value Method

The place value method is a subtraction method that involves breaking down the numbers into their individual place values (ones, tens, hundreds, etc.) and subtracting the values in each place value column. Here’s an example:

Suppose we want to find the difference between 87 and 43. We start by aligning the numbers vertically and subtracting the values in each place value column:

87
– 43
—–

Starting from the rightmost column (the ones column), we subtract 3 from 7 to get 4.

Next, we move to the tens column. We subtract 4 from 8 to get 4.

Since both numbers have only two digits, this is the final step, and the answer is 44.

This method is useful for solving subtraction problems that involve larger numbers, as it helps kids understand the value of each digit and how it contributes to the overall value of the number. It’s also a good method for solving subtraction problems that involve regrouping (borrowing) from a higher place value column to a lower place value column.

Number Line Method

The number line method is a subtraction method that involves using a number line to count the number of jumps from the smaller number to the larger number, and then counting the number of jumps from the larger number to the answer. Here’s an example:

Suppose we want to find the difference between 8 and 5. We start by drawing a number line and marking the numbers 5 and 8

Next, we count the number of jumps from 5 to 8

The answer is 3, so the difference between 8 and 5 is 3.

This method is especially useful for young children who are just starting to learn about subtraction, as it helps them understand the concept of counting and counting up. It’s also a good method for solving subtraction problems that involve numbers that are close to each other.

The Regrouping (Borrowing) Method

The regrouping (borrowing) method is a subtraction method that is used for subtraction problems that involve regrouping (borrowing) from a higher place value column to a lower place value column. Here’s an example:

Suppose we want to find the difference between 56 and 32. We start by aligning the numbers vertically and subtracting the values in each place value column:

56
– 32
—–

Starting from the rightmost column (the ones column), we subtract 2 from 6 to get 4.

Next, we move to the tens column. We subtract 3 from 5, but since 5 is less than 3, we need to regroup (borrow) 1 from the next place value column.

We write down a 0 in the tens column and add 10 to the next column, so that 5 becomes 15.

Next, we subtract 3 from 15 to get 12, and write down the 2 in the tens column.

Since both numbers have only two digits, this is the final step, and the answer is 24.

This method is useful for solving subtraction problems that involve larger numbers and regrouping, as it helps kids understand the concept of place value and how it affects the outcome of the subtraction problem.

The Chunking Method

Let’s consider the subtraction problem: 789 – 546

Identify a suitable chunk size: In this case, let’s use 100 as the chunk size.
Break down the numbers into chunks:

789 becomes 700 + 89
546 becomes 500 + 46

Subtract each chunk:

700 – 500 = 200
89 – 46 = 43

Add up the results of each chunk subtraction to get the final answer:

200 + 43 = 243

So the answer to 789 – 546 is 243.

Note that the chunk size can be adjusted based on the difficulty of the problem, and the student’s ability to perform mental subtraction quickly. The goal is to find a chunk size that is manageable and enables the student to subtract the chunks mentally.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are several subtraction methods that can be used to help kids understand and perform subtraction problems, including the counting up method, place value method, number line method, regrouping (borrowing) method and chunking method.

You will find others as well, and different terms may be used.

Each method has its own strengths and weaknesses and can be useful for solving different types of subtraction problems.

As a parent, it’s important to understand the different methods and to introduce your child to multiple methods so that they can choose the one that works best for them. By using a variety of methods, you can help your child build a strong foundation in subtraction and set them up for success in math in the future.